Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Knoxville?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville, you need to earn at least $50,280/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $48,309, which means the typical resident is $1,971 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 191,857

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$880	$2,933	$35,200	$-13,109
1 Bedroom	$1,043	$3,477	$41,720	$-6,589
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,257	$4,190	$50,280	+$1,971
3 Bedroom	$1,534	$5,113	$61,360	+$13,051
4 Bedroom	$1,886	$6,287	$75,440	+$27,131

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Knoxville's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$48,309

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$50,280

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$1,971

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.2%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Knoxville

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Knoxville's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,208

Studio

$880/mo

1 BR

$1,043/mo

2 BR

$1,257/mo

3 BR

$1,534/mo

4 BR

$1,886/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Knoxville.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Knoxville's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Knoxville

Renting in Knoxville is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $1,971, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $880/month.

If you're relocating to Knoxville, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($880–$1,043/month) unless your income exceeds $50,280. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $629/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Knoxville is approximately $75,420. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Knoxville, Tennessee.

With a total population of 191,857, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 97,188 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $50,280 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

97,188

Active civilian employees in Knoxville

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Knoxville

What salary do I need to live in Knoxville, Tennessee?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $50,280. The median household income in Knoxville is $48,309.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Knoxville on $48,309?

The affordability verdict for Knoxville is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.2%, meaning there's a $1,971 income gap.

What is the average rent in Knoxville compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Knoxville is $1,043/month. With a median household income of $48,309, residents spend approximately 31.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Knoxville?

A studio in Knoxville rents for approximately $880/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $35,200 to afford this.

Is Knoxville considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $1,971 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Knoxville is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $50,280 to the local median household income.

How Knoxville Compares

Other cities in Tennessee with salary requirements